A COSTA fisheries observer prepares to embark on the first trip of 2021 onboard of a Portuguese surface longliner. A very strong component of the COSTA project is the observation of pelagic longline fisheries in the North Atlantic. Although this fishery targets swordfish, sea turtles also intect with the fishing gear. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, it has been difficult for observers to board ships. However, all efforts have been directed towards the continued observation of this fishery.